Sodium acetate anhydrous is a sodium salt of acetic acid, with the chemical formula C₂H₃NaO₂. It appears as a white, crystalline powder and is highly soluble in water. It is also a lab reagent available in Labzo Bangladesh at the reasonable price.

Chemical Properties

• Chemical Formula: C₂H₃NaO₂
• Molecular Weight: 82.03 g/mol
• Structure: Consists of an acetate ion (CH₃COO⁻) and a sodium ion (Na⁺).
• Appearance: White crystalline solid or powder.
• Density: Approximately 1.528 g/cm³.
• pH: Typically around 7 when dissolved in water.

Physical Properties

• Melting Point: 323 °C (613 °F), decomposes before boiling.
• Solubility: Soluble in water (1 g in about 1 mL at 20 °C), but insoluble in organic solvents like ethanol.

General Uses of Sodium Acetate Anhydrous

1. Buffer Solutions:
   • Sodium acetate is commonly used in buffer solutions in biochemical applications to maintain pH levels in biological experiments.
2. Food Industry:
   • Acts as a preservative and flavor enhancer, particularly in snacks and processed foods. It is often labeled as E262.
3. Heating Pads:
   • In reusable heat packs, sodium acetate can be supercooled in a liquid state and releases heat upon crystallization when a metal disc is flexed.
4. Pharmaceuticals:
   • Used in various medicinal formulations, including as a saline laxative.
5. Chemical Synthesis:
   • Serves as a reagent in organic synthesis and as a catalyst in certain reactions.

Synthesis

• Neutralization Reaction:
  • Mixing acetic acid with sodium hydroxide or sodium bicarbonate produces sodium acetate.
  • Reaction: CH3COOH+NaOH→CH3COONa+H2O\text{CH}_3\text{COOH} + \text{NaOH} \rightarrow \text{CH}_3\text{COONa} + \text{H}_2\text{O}CH3​COOH+NaOH→CH3​COONa+H2​O

Safety and Handling of Sodium Acetate

• Toxicity: Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used in food and pharmaceuticals. However, excessive consumption can lead to gastrointestinal disturbances.
• Handling: Should be handled with gloves and eye protection to avoid irritation, especially in powder form.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place in a tightly closed container to prevent moisture absorption.

Environmental Impact